Ex-Taylor HS teacher who had sex with student: 'I did this terrible thing'

Kevin Murphy, 51, was sentenced to two years in jail for having a sexual relationship with one of his students. The Enquirer/Cara Owsley
The Enquirer/Cara Owsley

Kevin Murphy, a former Taylor High School teacher who admitted having sex with a student, was sentenced to two years in prison Tuesday, July 11, 2017. Murphy, 51, resigned his position in November 2016. He was employed by the district for about 20 years, and most recently taught history and was an assistant football coach. According to court documents, Murphy is accused of having sex with the female student six times between Oct. 9 and Nov. 2. He pleaded guilty in May.(Photo: Cara Owsley)

There were no answers Tuesday about why a longtime Taylor High School teacher who is a husband and a father had a sexual relationship with one of his students.

Kevin Murphy offered only a vague explanation during his sentencing in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court. Prosecutors say Murphy had sex with the girl multiple times over a six-month period.

It was "a bad time," he told Judge Tom Heekin. "There's no excuse for it… I did this terrible thing to her and her family. I’m as sorry as I could ever be about doing this."

Murphy's attorney, Will Welsh, said in court that Murphy "was having troubles – all kinds of emotional and psychological troubles, for which he is seeking help and has been seeking help." Welsh did not explain further.

Murphy, 51, had no criminal record as an adult or juvenile.

After Heekin imposed a two-year prison sentence, Murphy's daughter, who was sitting on a bench against the back wall of the courtroom, began crying. Family members consoled her.

Before the sentencing began, Murphy sat next to his daughter, with one arm around her, appearing to reassure her.

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Kevin Murphy hugs his daughter before he was sentenced to two years in prison Tuesday, July 11, 2017. Murphy, 51, a former Taylor High School teacher admitted having sex with a student. He resigned his teaching and football coach positions in November 2016 after being employed by the district for about 20 years. According to court documents, Murphy is accused of having sex with the female student six times between Oct. 9 and Nov. 2. He pleaded guilty in May.(Photo: The Enquirer/Cara Owsley)

There was no statement from the victim. Prosecutors said only that she had been one of Murphy's students.

The sexual relationship began in 2016, according to prosecutors. Murphy, who lives in Cleves, taught history and was an assistant football coach.

He was placed on administrative leave in November 2016 after school officials were tipped off about an "inappropriate relationship" and contacted police. He resigned that month and was charged in December with six counts of sexual battery.